WHY IS MY CRAWL SPACE HEIGHT IMPORTANT?
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INDOOR AIR QUALITY
The quality of life in a home depends on its foundations and roofing primarily. Regarding foundations like craw spaces, we must consider that they are built on dirt floors, where pests and other hazards are always treating your living spaces. Since these areas work as buffers between the ground and the first floor, their size and height are essential to allow a better indoor environment.
Like concrete slabs, crawl spaces also work as a foundation that provides a home with structural support. When building a slab, the concrete foundation is poured directly on the ground, and the house is built right on top. The advantage of a concrete slab is that it prevents mold growth and moisture issues from forming under the house.
THE PURPOSE OF A CRAWL SPACE
The purpose of a crawl space is multifunctional. For example, a crawl space is a perfect place for plumbing to run under floors. It allows the owner to have easy access when a repair is needed. The same happens with electrical wiring and HVAC systems.
CRAWL SPACE HEIGHT Crawl space sizing may vary; however, according to standards, 16″ is the minimum allowed by code. However, experts recommend a minimum distance of 18-inches from the ground to the bottom of wood floor joists. When building a crawl space, the height must be enough to avoid wood decay that is common when a wood floor structure is too close to damp ground. Depending on your needs, you can opt for diverse alternatives. 24″ = This height allows easy crawling on hands and knees 36″ = This choice is good to sit on and work at joist level 42″ or 48″ = This height allows a comfortable place to sit down
UNVENTED SPACES According to professional advice, unvented crawl spaces eliminate the need for openings that allow outside, unconditioned air to ventilate the area. In this regard, it is recommended to install minimum Class I vapor retarder on grade and tape all seams.
For further information, call your trusted experts on crawl space waterproofing in Charlotte, NC.
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